The purpose of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 is to make sure that people don't suffer damage to their health from noise - so controlling the risks from exposure to noise should be where you concentrate your efforts.
Clients and designers can have a big influence over eliminating noise risks on site, eg by specifying prefabricated components or work methods that avoid the need for noisy tools and processes.
Where there are things you can do to reduce risks from noise, they should be done. However, where noise exposures are below the lower exposure action value (LEAV) 80 dB, the risk of damage to health is generally lower and so you will only be expected to take actions that are simple and inexpensive.
Where your assessment shows that employees are likely to be exposed at or above the exposure action values, you must implement a planned programme of noise control. It is rarely acceptable just to rely on hearing protection alone, except as a short-term measure.
Look for alternative work methods that eliminate or reduce exposure to noise. Your trade association, industry contacts, equipment suppliers and trade journals may help to identify good practice in your industry.
Mechanise or automate work so that the operator is removed from the noisy environment (eg excavator cab).
Make sure that equipment is suitable and can do the work efficiently. Equipment that is unsuitable, too small or not powerful enough is likely to take longer to complete the task and increase exposure to noise.
Select tools that produce the least noise.
Limit the use of high-noise tools wherever possible.
Example: To cut large holes in brickwork, use a diamond-tipped hole-cutter with a rotary action rather than a tungsten-tipped bit, which requires rotary and hammer action. This reduces both vibration and noise exposure.
Example: Use vibration-dampened stone-cutting saw blades. Construction processes that lead to high levels of hand-arm vibration are often high-noise processes too.
When work equipment gets damaged or worn seek replacement kit that is suitable for the work, as well as being quiet and efficient. Ensure that your purchaser specifies low noise and vibration equipment.
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